Karmactive Staff
12:35 PM GMT – 12/07/2025
The Miteri Bridge connecting Nepal and China near Rasuwagadhi was destroyed by floods in the Lehende River on July 8, 2025, stranding thousands of pilgrims headed to Kailash Mansarovar just as the pilgrimage season was about to begin.
TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa has urged immediate diplomatic action to facilitate alternative passage via routes including Tatopani, Korola, and Hilsa, while also calling on Nepal’s Foreign Ministry to engage with Chinese officials to expedite visa processes for the 25,000 Indian pilgrims expected this year.
The catastrophic flood, which has claimed at least nine lives with 19 people still missing, has severely disrupted Nepal’s most cost-effective pilgrimage route that had only recently resumed after a five-year hiatus.
9:12 AM GMT – 12/07/2025
The recent Bali ferry sinking that killed six people highlights a growing problem in Southeast Asia where worsening storms are meeting poor safety enforcement. China faced a similar crisis in 2015 when the Eastern Star capsized in the Yangtze River killing 442 people, prompting reforms that tightened sailing rules and improved rescue systems, cutting waterway deaths by 60% over eight years. Despite these improvements, experts warn that smaller boats in rural areas remain at high risk as weather patterns grow more severe, emphasizing the urgent need for safety upgrades across all waterways.
7:42 AM GMT – 12/07/2025
Governor Abbott thanks to all the states who came to help amid flood disaster.
According to Governor Abbott’s X post, he mentioned that Oklahoma provided K9 teams and swiftwater boat squads, California sent their K9 teams, Virginia provided swift water boat squads, Arkansas deployed aid to Texas and Arkansas soldiers quickly responded to the situation with Black Hawk helicopters.
